ESL & Bilingual Certificate Program Online

Total Cost Certificate in English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education
Total Tuition 18 semester credits x $235 per credit	$4,230
Fees $50 Application Fee $100 Conferral Fee $720 Technology and Library Fee (18 Semester Credits X $40 per Credit)	$870
Total Program Cost	$5,100^*

BE5013	Foundations of ESL and Bilingual Education	3 Semester Credits
An essential course for all educators, this course provides students with an understanding of the historical, political, social, cultural, and educational concepts and issues that affect linguistically and culturally diverse students in the educational system. A review of local, state, and federal policies regarding entitlement and appropriate school services for English language learners, and important program models are analyzed. Current theories of Second Language Acquisition (SLA), bilingualism, and socio-cultural theories are explored for their pedagogical implications and specific program models within and outside the U.S. are examined for their contributions to student academic achievement.
BE5023	Assessment of ESL and Bilingual Students	3 Semester Credits
Students in this course explore issues of assessment of second language learners within the larger framework of historical, social, cultural, and political contexts. Utilizing a variety of theoretical models related to second language acquisition and academic achievement, students 1) analyze the ways that second language students are diverse, 2) discuss equitable assessment of diverse learners, and 3) evaluate existing instruments for second language learners. Students examine and review relevant state standards for content matter learning and language proficiency, and examine how those are assessed in mandated, large-scale assessment and in classroom assessment (traditional and alternative).
BE5033	Methods and Materials for Teaching English as a Second Language	3 Semester Credits
This course provides teachers methods for providing language and content instruction to second language learners. Students consider historical and current English as a second language (ESL) program models and second language acquisition theories, pedagogy, and methodology. Relevant federal, state, and local learning and assessment standards are reviewed and applied to their teaching. Students are guided in creating and presenting teaching units and lessons based on various methods, approaches, and techniques. Students discuss the selection, use, and evaluation of books, multimedia, technology, and other materials. Students examine the application of relevant learning and assessment standards to their teaching of second language learners.
BE5043	Cross-Cultural Studies for Teaching ELLs	3 Semester Credits
With the increase of limited-English-proficient students in urban environments, this course examines the impact of culture on society and the educational system, and the importance of culture in addressing the needs of immigrant students. It explores the dynamic processes of acculturation and cultural conflict. Students examine the role of culture in the American educational system and how ethno-linguistic groups contribute to the dynamics of the classroom. Students examine behavioral expectations and learning styles of students from different backgrounds, how that changes the classroom dynamics, and how teacher expectations can affect perceptual judgments of students. Students learn how to design culturally relevant instruction to further the academic success of diverse groups, and learn ways to foster collaborative and dynamic learning environments.
ED5123	Diverse Learners	3 Semester Credits
This course reviews data related to the effectivemess of educatioanl initiatives emphasizing evidence-based instructional design models used to assess andinstruct students with diverse learning needs. Special attention is given to inclusion of traditionally underrepresented learner populations, i.e. special education, LEP, economically disadvantaged and ethnic minorities.
ES5063	Linguistics for TESOL	3 Semester Credits
Students in this course cover the following essential dimensions of linguistics and the acquisition of language: language and the brain, first and second language acquisition, major components of linguistics (phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and sociolinguistics), cognition and learning, and communicative competence. Emphasis is placed on implications for ESL and bilingual education teachers.